WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – A combination of mist, rainfall, and cold temperatures greeted the Verizon IndyCar Series drivers as they ventured onto Watkins Glen International for their morning warm-up, and all drivers made use of the Firestone wet weather tires.
In the end, it was Sebastien Bourdais who led the way with a best lap of 1:45.9510, more than 20 seconds slower than the pole-sitting time from Alexander Rossi (1:22.4639), evidence of the slippery conditions on the track.
Rossi ended up second, followed by Helio Castroneves, Carlos Munoz, and Simon Pagenaud.
Cold and damp conditions persisted throughout the 30-minute session, making things very treacherous for all drivers.
Yeah, in case you're wondering, it's a cold one down here this morning... #INDYCARGP pic.twitter.com/rjIwNUDDuN
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) September 3, 2017
The aforementioned Rossi was one of several to demonstrate as much, in his case sliding his way through the bus stop.
Nice save by @AlexanderRossi! #INDYCAR #INDYCARGP https://t.co/1I2Xejdij6 pic.twitter.com/kACoCJU5iv
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) September 3, 2017
However, the session was completed without incident.
Times are below. Coverage of Sunday’s INDYCAR Grand Prix at The Glen begins at 1:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with the green flag scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET.